Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Antonia Bryant . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Antonia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Absolutely! I would have entered a Flight School program while I was in high school to earn my Private Pilot license and upon graduation I would have enrolled at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University . And became a Commerical Pilot all before age 30 with a Ph.D. in Aviation .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got the Aviation bug kinda late in life. I can’t explain the feeling of being in the sky. It’s like any challenges or problems I’m dealing with goes away when I’m flying. I loss a lot of loved ones in my life . So when I’m flying I always feel so connected/Closer to them in a special way. My children , it’s my goal to be able to fly my kids wherever we’d like to vacation. I want to give them the most out of their childhood (within my reach) so they can always strive to be the best version of themselves . It’s up to me to set that standard .

What am I most proud of in my Career? Being a Black Woman in Aviation! There’s not many Pilot’s as the demand is very high especially because there is no financing for the Program. Everything is an out of pocket expense. So all the adversities that a black woman faces with society daily , it’s very unlikely to see a female African American Caption Pilot . I want to change the trajectory of that. Because we are brilliant , we do have the finances and resources along with the discipline . We aren’t poor or ignorant . We can Fly an AirBus or Boeing and make it back home to cook and bathe our children all in a days work. So to my Black women in Aviation you get my highest honor ; See you the sky!

Any advice for managing a team?

It takes a village! Your support system is key in life. & in Business . If you don’t have a solid foundation within your team it will never work. It’s very important to keep that level of respect with your employees, stay humble , and keeping in mind that you too were once a worker . Communication will forever help any issues that may arise . Knowing that open door is always there for your employees to talk or listen helps others to feel comfortable approaching you with any concerns. You also have to keep that line of Boss/ Employee very firm because people will try to walk all over you. Of course finding good staff is hard probably one of the most Challenging things in business . But Networking within your business helps connect you to the people you need most. Keep God at the forefront of your life . He will guide you .

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’m from a small town called Aliquippa Pa it’s just about 20 minutes outside of Pittsburgh PA . If you grew up from a small town that doesn’t mean you have to stay there. You’re not meant to live your entire life in one place. Travel , relocate enjoy your youth as long as you can because Death is the only thing promised to us all . I had to Unlearn the small minded things that used to hinder my growth and progression . I develop a new way of life. The type of friends I wanted to surround myself with . The conversations that I choose to allow my mind to hear . My life partner (I’m hopeful he finds me soon) I want him to also have a life outside of me. Lead me , Guide me as I am a woman that submits. I want someone I can build with that just belongs to me, as I do him. I had to learn that my happiness is the only thing that matters . So I now meet people for who they are in life and not my expectations it’s up to me to allow them to stay in mine. People will always do what’s best for them I suggest you do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: ThePrettyPilot_